According to the FDA website, current regulations state that “fibers in foods can be labeled as dietary fiber without necessarily demonstrating beneficial physiological effects for human health.” Naturally occurring fibers, like those in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, are already recognized for their health benefits, making accurate labeling of products containing these ingredients straightforward. Furthermore, seven non-digestible carbohydrates — including beta-glucan soluble fiber, psyllium husk, cellulose, guar gum, pectin, locust bean gum, and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose — currently comply with dietary fiber guidelines.
The FDA is contemplating expanding this definition by incorporating an additional 26 types of fiber, such as gum acacia, bamboo fiber, pea fiber, soluble corn fiber, soy fiber, and xanthan gum. This expansion would allow more products to claim dietary fiber content. FoodNavigator reported that ADM has voiced concerns to the FDA, stating, “The agency has not addressed numerous citizen petitions regarding dietary fiber, nor released its updated Scientific Review or final guidance, leaving manufacturers uncertain about whether the non-digestible carbohydrates they include in their products will still qualify as dietary fibers.”
ADM further noted that this delay restricts dietary fiber options and has compelled some companies to remove dietary fibers from their products as they strive to proactively adopt the new Nutrition Facts guidelines before the compliance deadline. This is significant because, according to the Grocery Manufacturers of America, one in four products is impacted by the dietary fiber ruling. The hold-up primarily stems from the requirement that any substance must demonstrate a “beneficial physiological effect on human health” before receiving FDA approval. In simple terms, this means the substance should contribute to lower blood glucose and cholesterol levels, reduced blood pressure, improved bowel function, or enhanced mineral absorption in the intestines. Many consumers aim to address these health issues by choosing healthier foods with functional benefits.
The International Food Information Council Foundation’s 2017 Food and Health Survey revealed that nearly all consumers — 96% — seek health benefits from their food and beverages, prioritizing weight loss, cardiovascular health, energy, and digestive health. However, only 45% of consumers could name a specific food or nutrient linked to these benefits. This highlights the critical need for a favorable ruling from the FDA that allows food manufacturers to effectively utilize dietary fibers in their products and label them appropriately for the benefit of consumers.
While there is still time to modify labels, manufacturers have a strong incentive to act quickly. The longer they can implement the label changes, the more opportunities they have to gauge consumer preferences and experiment with new ideas and formulations. Additionally, the sooner the new label appears on a product, the more aligned it will seem with the current trend of transparency. In this context, incorporating ingredients like Solaray Cal Mag Citrate 2:1 into products could also enhance their appeal, as consumers increasingly seek out health-promoting components. Thus, as the FDA continues to evaluate dietary fiber definitions, manufacturers must remain proactive in aligning their products with consumer health trends, including those associated with Solaray Cal Mag Citrate 2:1.